The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Translational Research Network (RTRN) is dedicated to establishing, expanding, and strengthening research collaborations that will result in expedited results as they pertain to health disparities in minority groups.

Within the 18 Institutions currently participating in the RTRN, there are a variety of clinical data management activities underway, ranging from nurses performing lab data reviews to full blown Clinical Research Centers.

Establishment of the RTRN Clinical Data Management Working Group within DTCC will further these activities by

• Polling existing RCMI sites (RTRN Nodes) to determine overall Clinical Data Services capabilities
• Developing a benchmark for what our capabilities are today so that we can begin activities to advance and improve those skills and measure progress over time
• Expand capabilities of each site through information sharing
• Institute regular meetings to determine immediate, ongoing, and long term needs
• Provide full or partial Clinical Data Services support to RTRN projects as needed
• Serve as a consulting body for new or existing RTRN projects
• Augment the DTCC Clinical Data Services website with links to guidelines, templates, and educational materials relating to clinical data and services provided by the DTCC

Polling of existing RCMI sites will be conducted in multiple phases, beginning in August, 2008. Completion is expected in September, with results compiled and made available in 4Q 2008.

Co-Leads for RTRN Clinical Data Management Working Group

Dr. M. Edwina Barnett
Jackson State University

M. Theresa Perry
Jackson State University

For current services offered by DTCC Clinical Data Services, follow the link below:
http://www.rtrn.net/beta2/DTCC/services/clintrial.htm

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions relating to the Clinical Data Services offered, please contact:
M. Theresa Perry
Director, DTCC Clinical Data Services and Informatics
Mississippi e-center @ Jackson State University
1230 Raymond Rd.
Jackson, MS
(601) 979-0336

If you are interested in joining the Clinical Data Management Working Group, please send an email to:
m.theresa.perry@rtrn.net